George W. Bush encourages George P. Bush and Jeb Bush to run for office

Speaking with PARADE’s Mark Updegrove, George W. Bush offered advice to his relatives embarking on the campaign trail.

When asked about the future of his party, George W. Bush said he doesn’t think the GOP is doomed, and is “hopeful” his brother Jeb Bush will make a run for the White House in 2016.

Bush said he isn’t one to believe that the party is “doomed forever,” and the former president offered some advice for improving the party’s trajectory.

“The party ought to nominate somebody who can stand by principles and explain why conservative principles are better for the vast majority of the citizens,” Bush said.

When asked what he thought of Jeb as a potential presidential candidate, Bush was optimistic.

“I would hope that people would judge [him], if Jeb were to run, on his merits and his track record. … So I hope he will run,” Bush said.

His advice to nephew George P. Bush who is running for Texas Land Commissioner, don’t worry about what other people think.

“But, my first advice would be, don’t be afraid of entering the arena, win or lose. It’s a great experience. I told him, “People are going to automatically not vote for you because of your name. On the other hand, people will listen to you because of your name, so I wouldn’t even worry about that. Just go out there and tell people what’s in your heart,” George W. Bush said.

The full interview will hit newsstands this Sunday, just before the grand opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library at Southern Methodist University. The event will have more former president’s in attendance than this year’s inauguration, with President Obama, and former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and both Bush’s in attendance.

The opening has also been rumored to set the stage for a political dynasty duel in 2016, as both Jeb Bush and possible candidate Hillary Clinton will be in attendance.